After securing his victory, Putin emphasized the need to bolster Russia’s military strength during a press briefing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed his triumph as a catalyst for enhancing Russia’s resilience, with early projections indicating a landslide win. This outcome positions Putin to potentially surpass Josef Stalin as the longest-serving leader in Russia’s history, spanning over two centuries.
Addressing reporters post-victory, Putin underscored the imperative of fortifying the country’s armed forces, dismissing the impact of protests against his administration. He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the objectives of what he referred to as Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, initiated with a large-scale invasion in February 2022.
Following the landslide election results, Putin commended China for its global achievements, emphasizing the enduring strength of Sino-Russian relations. He expressed confidence in the continued growth of bilateral ties, dismissing the effectiveness of sanctions against China.
Putin also criticized Western democracies, including the United States, asserting that Russia’s electoral process is more transparent. Reports suggest that Putin plans to restructure senior government positions following his re-election. Sources anticipate the inclusion of younger individuals in deputy ministerial roles and leadership positions within ministerial departments. Conversely, older officials are expected to face demotion or retirement.
Potential changes are also anticipated within major state corporations, state energy entities, and Russia’s extensive regional governorships, reflecting Putin’s intent to rejuvenate governance structures. Notably, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are expected to retain their positions amid ongoing conflicts, while Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina are likely to maintain their roles.
